West Point Cancels Public Ceremonies for Tom Hanks's Thayer Award

Tom Hanks was named the 2025 recipient of the Sylvanus Thayer Award in a June announcement by the West Point Association of Graduates. The award was to be presented on September 25, 2025, during formal ceremonies at the United States Military Academy. News in early September revealed that the alumni group has canceled the planned public events; however, the award's status remains uncertain.

An internal email from retired Army Colonel Mark Bieger said the decision allows the academy to refocus on preparing cadets to lead, fight, and win as Army officers. It is unclear if the Thayer Award itself has been revoked or if Hanks will receive the honor at a later date. Hanks has a long record of advocacy for veterans and a public history of portraying service members in films, which the alumni group noted when it announced the award. The Thayer Award has been given annually since 1958 to citizens who reflect West Point’s motto, Duty, Honor, Country. The planned ceremonies normally include a parade and a formal award dinner on the academy grounds.